Paint can strap and holder

ABSTRACT

Paint can straps and holders releasably attachable to a paint can are provided, such that at least one of fingers, a hand, forearm, and an arm can be inserted between a strap portion and the paint can, and along a longitudinal axis of the paint can, to leverage the paint can. The paint can holder includes a strap that is releasably attachable to the paint can. The strap can be attached to a harness, which is releasably attachable to the paint can. The harness can include a paint brush holder which can also be provided independent of the harness.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The specification claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application61/357,572 filed Jun. 23, 2010, U.S. Provisional Application 61/423,362filed Dec. 16, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application 61/449,298 filedMar. 4, 2011, all which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The specification relates generally to paint accessories, andspecifically to paint can straps and holders.

BACKGROUND

Using a paint can as a cut can (i.e. for painting directly from thepaint can) can be tiring for a painter as holding the paint can by thehandle can be uncomfortable and even painful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described hereinand to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, referencewill now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a paint can holder releasablyattached to paint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective of a paint can holder, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear perspective view of a paint can holder, accordingto non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 4 depicts a left side view of a paint can holder, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a paint can holder, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 6 depicts a right side view of a paint can holder, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 7 depicts a rear side view of a paint can holder, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 8 depicts a plan view of a paint can holder, according tonon-limiting implementations, and

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of a paint can holder, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective front view of a paint can holder,according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective front view of a harness of a paint canholder, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective side view of a harness of a paint canholder, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 13 depicts a front side view of a strap attachable to the harnessof FIG. 11, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 14 depicts a right side view of a paint can holder releasablyattached to paint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 15 depicts a left side view of a paint can holder releasablyattached to paint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 16 depicts a front side view of a paint can holder releasablyattached to paint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 17 depicts a top side view of a paint can holder releasablyattached to paint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of the strap of FIG. 13, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of a paint can holder attached to apaint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 20A depicts the paint can holder of FIG. 19, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 20B depicts a paint can holder, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 22A, 22B, and 23 depict a paint can holder according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of a paint can holder comprising apaint brush holder, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIGS. 25 and 26 depict top views of paint brush holders, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of a paint can holder comprising apaint brush holder, attached to a paint can, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 28 depicts a bottom perspective view of a paint can holdercomprising a paint brush holder, attached to a paint can, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 29A depicts a bottom view of an integral piece comprising a paintbrush holder and a gasket portion, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 29B depicts a top view of an integral piece comprising a paintbrush holder and a gasket portion, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 29C depicts a side view of an integral piece comprising a paintbrush holder and a gasket portion, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of a paint brush holder, attached toa paint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 31 depicts a side view of a paint brush holder, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 32A depicts a perspective view of a paint can holder comprising apaint brush holder holding a paint brush, attached to a paint can,according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 32B depicts a perspective cutaway view of a paint can holdercomprising a paint brush holder holding a paint brush, attached to apaint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIGS. 33A, 33B, and 33C depict a perspective view of a paint can holdercomprising a paint brush holder holding a paint brush in differentrespective positions, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 34A depicts a perspective view of a paint can holder comprising apaint brush holder holding a paint brush, attached to a paint can, thepaint brush holder in a first position, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 34C depicts a perspective view of a reversible integral piececomprising a paint brush holder and a gasket portion, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 34C depicts a perspective view of a paint can holder comprising apaint brush holder holding a paint brush, attached to a paint can, thepaint brush holder in a second position, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 35 depicts a perspective view of a paint can holder comprising apaint brush holder, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 36A depicts a bottom view of an integral piece comprising a paintbrush holder and a gasket portion, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 36B depicts a top view of an integral piece comprising a paintbrush holder and a gasket portion, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 36C depicts a side view of an integral piece comprising a paintbrush holder and a gasket portion, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 37A depicts a top view of a paint brush holder, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 37B depicts a bottom view of a paint brush holder, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 38 depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap releasablyattachable to a paint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 39 depicts an exploded perspective view of the paint can strap ofFIG. 38, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 40 depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap releasablyattached to a paint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 41 depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap releasablyattached to a handle of a paint can, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 42A depicts a front perspective view of an attachment portion ofthe paint can strap of FIG. 38, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 42B depicts a side view of the attachment portion of FIG. 42A,according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 42C depicts a rear perspective view of the attachment portion ofFIG. 42A, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 43A depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap releasablyattached to a paint can in an in-use position, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 43B depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap releasablyattached to a paint can in an intermediate position, according tonon-limiting implementations.

FIG. 43C depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap releasablyattached to a paint can in a rest position, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 44 depicts a front perspective view of the attachment portion ofFIG. 42A attached to an end of a strap portion of the paint can strap ofFIG. 38, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 45 depicts a rear perspective view of the attachment portion ofFIG. 42A attached to an end of a strap portion of the paint can strap ofFIG. 38, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 46 depicts a side perspective view of the attachment portion ofFIG. 42A attached to an end of a strap portion of the paint can strap ofFIG. 38, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 47A depicts a front perspective view of the attachment portion ofFIG. 42A attached to a paint can handle in a first position, accordingto non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 47B depicts a front perspective view of the attachment portion ofFIG. 42A attached to a paint can handle in a second position, accordingto non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 48A depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap attached to apaint can, the paint can strap extended in a first position, accordingto non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 48B depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap attached to apaint can, the paint can strap extended in a second position, accordingto non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 49A depicts a front perspective view of an attachment portion ofthe paint can strap of FIG. 43A, according to non-limitingimplementations.

FIG. 50 depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap attached to apaint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 51 depicts a perspective view of a paint can strap attached to apaint can, according to non-limiting implementations.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the specification provides a paint can holder comprising: astrap releasably attachable to a paint can such that the paint can beheld using the strap when the paint can holder is attached to the paintcan.

The paint can holder can further comprise a harness attached to thestrap, the harness for releasably attaching the strap to the paint can.The harness can comprise: a top engagement portion for releasablyengaging a top of the paint can; a bottom engagement portion forreleasably engaging a bottom of the paint can; and a connecting portionbetween the top engagement portion and the bottom engagement portion.Each of the top engagement portion and the bottom engagement portion canbe enabled to extend along a portion of a respective circumference ofthe top and the bottom of the paint can. At least one of the topengagement portion and the bottom engagement portion can besemi-circular. The top engagement portion can comprise at least oneengagement apparatus that engages an inner ridge of the paint can wherea lid of the paint can meets an opening of the paint can. The engagementapparatus can comprise a hook.

The bottom engagement portion can be enabled to engage a bottom ridge ofthe paint can. The bottom engagement portion can comprise a at least onecomplimentary ridge for engaging the bottom ridge of the paint can. Theconnecting portion can comprise at least one arm extending a givendistance between the top engagement portion and the bottom engagementportion thereby enabling the paint can to snugly fit there between. Thegiven distance can comprise a longitudinal length of the paint can.

The paint can holder can further comprise two arms extending between thetop engagement portion and the bottom engagement portion, including theat least one arm. Each of the two arms can comprise at least oneattachment point for attaching the strap between the two arms. At leastone attachment point can comprise a cut-out in a respective one of thetwo arms, the cut-out defining an opening for receiving a respective endof the strap, the opening between the respective one of the two arms andthe paint can when the paint can holder is attached thereto. Each of thetwo arms further can comprise at least one groove opposite theattachment point for receiving the respective end of the strap after therespective end of the strap passes through the opening, the at least onegroove for further securing the strap. The strap can be adjustable inthe opening. The strap can comprise at least one ridge, and wherein theat least one ridge engages the opening, holding the strap there in. Thestrap can comprise a plurality of ridges, and wherein the at least oneridge engages the opening, holding the strap there in, the strap beingadjustable by selecting a given ridge for engaging the opening. Thepaint can holder can further comprise at least one strengthening armextending between the two arms. The strengthening arm can be enabled tofollow a contour of the paint can.

The strap can extend along a longitudinal axis of the paint can, whenthe paint can holder is attached thereto, such that a user can insert ahand between the strap and the paint can radially to cup a wall of thepaint can. The strap can extend along a circumference of the paint can,when the paint can holder is attached thereto, such that a user caninsert at least one of a hand and an arm along a longitudinal axis ofthe paint can to leverage the paint can. The strap can extend along acircumference of the paint can, when the paint can holder is attachedthereto, such that a user can insert at least one of a hand and an armalong a longitudinal axis of the paint can and support the paint can bya bottom of the paint can. The top engagement portion can comprise abrush scraper that resides over an opening of the paint can. The strapcan be adjustable in the harness.

Another aspect of the specification provides a paint brush holdercomprising: a flexible collar enabled to releasably grip a handle of apaint brush, the flexible collar comprising a gap for inserting thehandle therein; and, an apparatus connected to the flexible collar, theapparatus for releasably attaching the flexible collar to a paint cansuch that when the flexible collar is gripping the handle, the paintbrush is suspended at least one of over an opening of the paint can andin the opening of the paint can.

The flexible collar can be enabled to releasably grip the handle of thepaint brush via frictional engagement.

When the flexible collar is gripping the handle of the paint brush, avertical position of the paint brush with respect to the opening can bechangeable by moving the handle up or down in the flexible collar.

The flexible collar can be at least one of “C”-shaped, and shaped like alogo.

The flexible collar can comprise two flexible arms for gripping thehandle there between. Respective ends of the two flexible arms can formthe gap. Each respective end can be rounded to reduce friction whenaccepting the handle there between.

The flexible collar can comprise one arm that extends around the handle,the gap formed by the one arm and a base of the flexible collar. Theflexible collar can be enabled to extend radially in towards a centre ofthe opening. The flexible collar can comprise at least one of a plastic,santoprene, rubber, TPU (Thermal Polyurethane), polyurethane, Sarlink,elastomer, polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) PC (polycarbonate), PBT (polybutyleneterephthalate), silicone, an injection molded material and a materialcast from a metal die.

The apparatus can comprise an attachment portion for attaching the paintbrush holder to a top rim of paint can. The attachment portion cancomprise a groove complementary to the top rim of the paint can. Theattachment portion can be flexible.

The apparatus can comprise a harness releasably attachable to the paintcan. The harness can comprise: a top engagement portion for releasablyengaging a top of the paint can; a bottom engagement portion forreleasably engaging a bottom of the paint can; and a connecting portionbetween the top engagement portion and the bottom engagement portion.Each of the top engagement portion and the bottom engagement portion canbe enabled to extend along a portion of a respective circumference ofthe top and the bottom of the paint can. The paint brush holder canfurther comprise a gasket portion that extends from the flexible collaralong the top engagement portion, the gasket portion enabled to fitbetween the top engagement portion and a top rim of the paint can. Thegasket portion and the flexible collar can form an integral piece. Theintegral piece can be removably attachable to the harness. The integralpiece can be removably attachable to the harness via at least one of: atleast one hook at an end of the gasket opposite the flexible collar; andat least one snapping mechanism on the gasket adjacent the flexiblecollar for snapping the gasket into the harness. The integral piece canbe insertable into the harness in two positions, the flexible collarlocated at a first end of the top engagement portion in a first positionand the flexible collar located at a second end of the top engagementportion in a second position, the second end located distal the firstend. The integral piece can be symmetric about a longitudinal plane suchthat a top of the flexible collar is at a similar height relative to thetop engagement portion in each of the first position and the secondposition. A thickness of the gasket portion can enable the harness to beadapted to hold a second paint can of a given height smaller than aheight of the paint can. The top engagement portion can comprise a brushscraper that resides over the opening of the paint can. The flexiblecollar can be adjacent the scraper.

The flexible collar can comprise a length to position the paint brushproximal a side of the paint can.

Yet a further aspect of the specification provides a paint can strap,comprising: a strap portion comprising a first end and a second enddistal the first end. A first attachment portion at the first end. and asecond attachment portion at the second end, each of the firstattachment portion and the second attachment portion enabled forreleasable attachment to a handle of a paint can such that at least oneof a hand and an arm can be inserted between the strap portion and thepaint can, and along a longitudinal axis of the paint can, to leveragethe paint can.

When the paint can strap is attached to the handle by the firstattachment portion and the second attachment portion, the strap portioncan extend along a circumference of the paint can.

Each of the first attachment portion and the second attachment portioncan comprise one or more of a carabineer, a strap, and a respective hookportion for releasably hooking the strap portion to the handle. Eachrespective hook portion can extends towards the strap portion from arespective end of each the first attachment portion and the secondattachment portion, and wherein a gap is formed between each therespective hook portion and a respective body portion of each the firstattachment portion and the second attachment portion, the gap enabled toreceive the handle of the paint can. The gap can be in a range ofapproximately 0.05 inches to approximately 0.75 inches. Each respectivehook portion can comprise a respective protrusion that protrudes towardsa respective body of each the first attachment portion and the secondattachment portion, the protrusion for holding the handle between eachthe respective hook portion and the respective body. Each respectivehook portion can be enabled for releasably hooking the strap portion tothe handle in at least a resting position and a use position, such thatin the resting position an edge of the strap portion rests against awall of the paint can, and in the use position, the strap portionextends along a circumference of the paint can.

The strap portion can be integral with the first attachment portion andthe second attachment portion.

Each of the first attachment portion and the second attachment portioncan be releasably attached to respectively the first end and the secondend. The strap portion can be adjustable at each of the first attachmentportion and the second attachment portion. Each of the first attachmentportion and the second attachment portion can comprise at least oneopening for receiving a respective end of the strap portion. The strapportion can comprise at least one ridge, and wherein the at least oneridge can engage the at least one opening, holding the strap portionthere in. The strap portion can comprise a plurality of ridges, andwherein the at least one ridge can engage the at least opening, holdingthe strap portion there in, the strap portion being adjustable byselecting a given ridge for engaging the at least one opening. At leastone opening can comprise a plurality of adjacent slots such that thestrap portion can be woven through the adjacent slots, at least one ofthe pluralities of ridges engaging at least one of the pluralities ofslots.

Each of the first attachment portion and the second attachment portioncan comprise a paint can handle attachment end and a strap attachmentend distal the paint can handle attachment end. Each of the firstattachment portion and the second attachment portion can furthercomprise: respective handle attachment apparatus at the paint can handleattachment end, each the respective handle attachment apparatus forreleasably attaching the handle; and a strap attachment apparatus forattaching the strap portion to each of the first attachment portion andthe second attachment portion.

At least one of the first attachment portion and the second attachmentportion can be enabled to hang the paint can strap from a hook to storethe paint can strap.

A distance from distal ends of each of the first attachment portion andthe second attachment portion can be in a range of approximately 10inches to approximately 20 inches.

At least one of the strap portion, the first attachment portion , andthe second attachment portion can comprise at least one of a plastic,santoprene, rubber, TPU (Thermal Polyurethane), polyurethane, Sarlink,elastomer, polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) PC (polycarbonate), PBT (polybutyleneterephthalate), silicone, an injection molded material and a materialcast from a metal die.

Yet a further aspect of the specification provides a paint can strap,comprising: an attachment portion for attaching the paint can strap to ahandle of a paint can approximately midway along the handle; and asleeve portion attached to the attachment portion, the sleeve portionenabled to receive at least one of at least a portion of a hand and anarm inserted therein, along a longitudinal axis of the paint can, suchthat leverage can be applied to the paint can via the handle. It ishowever appreciated that the sleeve portion could be made of anysuitable shape to accommodate fingers, hand, wrist or forearm such as aglove like shape or other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 9 generally depict non limiting implementations of a paintcan holder 100, which attaches to a paint can 101 offering an ergonomicholding alternative to the thin metal wire/handle that typically isfound on a paint can In some implementations, paint can 101 can comprisea one-gallon paint can, or a one-pint paint can. However the size ofpaint can 101 is appreciated not to be limiting and any suitable size ofpaint can is within the scope of present implementations. Furthermore,paint can holder 100 can also be referred to as a cut can holder aspaint cans used for trimming are generally referred to as cut cans.

Paint can holder 100 generally comprises a strap 103 releasablyattachable to paint can 101 such that paint can 101 can be held usingstrap 103 when paint can holder 100 is attached to paint can 101. Insome implementations (not depicted) strap 103 can comprise apparatus forreleasably attaching strap 103 to paint can 101, for example engagementportions, hooks or the like that can be attached to the top and bottomof paint can 101. In yet further implementations, strap 103 can compriseapparatus for releasably attaching strap 103 to the sides of paint can101, for example, additional straps which can be placed under tensionaround at least a portion of the circumference of a wall of paint can101. However, the apparatus for releasably attaching strap 103 to paintcan 101 is not to be considered particularly limiting and any suitableapparatus for releasably attaching strap 103 to paint can 101 is withinthe scope of present implementations.

In some non-limiting implementations, strap 103 is releasably attachableto paint can 101 using a harness 105 attached to strap 103. It isappreciated that strap 103 is adjustable in harness 105, so that strap103 can be adjusted to a comfortable position for a user, such that auser may insert a hand and/or a portion of an arm (such as a forearm)between paint can 101 and strap 103, as will be described in furtherdetail below. In any event, it is appreciated that in theseimplementations, paint can holder 100 comprises two pieces: strap 103and harness 105, strap 103 attached to harness 105. Indeed, it isfurther appreciated that strap 103 is adjustable in harness 105 and thatstrap 103 can be detached from harness 105. Further, strap 103 andharness 105 can be manufactured separately from each other.

It is further appreciated that strap 103 and harness 105 can bemanufactured from any suitable material and/or materials, including butnot limited to any suitable plastic. Indeed, each of harness 105 andstrap 103 can be made from any respective suitable material, such as anyrespective suitable plastic. Strap 103 can be made from a different orsimilar material as harness 105. In particular non-limitingimplementations, strap 103 can be made from santoprene. It isappreciated that harness 105 is somewhat bendable/flexible to enableharness 105 to be snapped on and off paint can 101, as will be describedbelow. In other words, harness 105 is generally bendable/flexible whilegenerally rigidly holding its shape and is made from any suitablematerial for enabling such flexibility, and is further of suitablethicknesses and width of the suitable material. Similarly, strap 103 iscomprised of a generally bendable/flexible material such that whenattached to harness 105, strap 103 can bend (and/or flex) to accommodatean arm of a painter, as will be described below.

Harness 105 is depicted in detail in FIGS. 11 and 12, according tonon-limiting implementations. In these implementations, harness 105comprises: a top engagement portion 107 for releasably engaging a top ofpaint can 101. A bottom engagement portion 109 for releasably engaging abottom of paint can 101 and a connecting portion 111 between topengagement portion 107 and bottom engagement portion 109.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 8, 11 and 12, top engagement portion107 is enabled to extend along a portion of a circumference of a top ofpaint can 101. Similarly, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 9, 11 and 12,bottom engagement portion 109 is enabled to extend along a portion ofcircumference of a bottom of paint can 101. Further, it is appreciatedthat in depicted non-limiting implementations, top engagement portion107 and bottom engagement portion 109 are semi-circular in order toextend partially along the circular top and bottom of paint can 101.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 1, 5, 10 and 11. It is appreciatedthat top engagement portion 107 comprises at least one engagementapparatus 113 that engages an inner ridge 114 of an opening of paint can101. Further, it is appreciated that in depicted non-limitingimplementations engagement apparatus 113 comprises at least one hookthat hooks under the inner ridge 114 of an opening of paint can 101, forexample two hooks at either end of top engagement portion 107. However,the number of hooks are not to be considered particularly limiting. Itis further appreciated that other suitable engagement apparatus arewithin the scope of present implementations. Furthermore, in depictedimplementations, top engagement portion 107 further comprises a ridge115 that extends from a lip 117 enabled to extend across a top rim 118of paint can 101 and further extend over the opening of paint can 101.Ridge 115 is enabled to extend into the opening of paint can 101 andalong inner edge 114 of the opening and is hence of a complimentaryshape. Furthermore, ridge 115 is enabled to extend into the opening adistance that enables engagement apparatus 113 to engage inner ridge 114of the opening of paint can 101 such that top rim 118 of paint can 101and inner ridge 114 of the opening of paint can 101 are engaged betweenlip 117 and engagement apparatus 113, respectively. In other words toprim 118 of paint can 101 and the underside of the opening of paint can101 engagingly fit between lip 117 and engagement apparatus 113. Hence,harness 105 attaches to top rim 118 paint can 101 using engagementapparatus (e.g. the two hooks), in top engagement portion 107, thatgrasp inner ridge 114 of the opening of paint can 101.

In some implementations ridge 115 can extend approximately 0.3 toapproximately 0.8 inches from lip 117, though the distance that ridge115 extends from lip 117 is generally dependent on the size of paint can101, and the width of engagement apparatus 113. For example forone-gallon size paint cans, ridge 115 can extend 0.615 inches from lip117. for pint size paint cans, ridge 117 can be shorter, and for othersize paint cans (for example metric sizes), ridge 115 can be smaller orlarger. It is nonetheless appreciated that the distance that ridge 115extends from lip 117 is generally non-limiting. In non-limitingimplementations, engagement apparatus 113 (e.g. the hooks) can rangefrom approximately 0.08 to approximately 0.2 inches. In particularnon-limiting implementations, engagement apparatus 113 can beapproximately 0.108 inches wide and approximately 0.1 inches in depth,though these values are generally understood to be non-limiting.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 10, 11 and 12, bottom engagement portion 109is generally enabled to engage a bottom ridge 120 of paint can 101. Forexample, in depicted implementations, bottom engagement portion 109comprises at least one complimentary ridge 119 for engaging bottom ridge120 of paint can 101. It is appreciated that bottom ridge 120 generallyextends around the circumference of the bottom of paint can 101, andthat at least one complimentary ridge 119 engage a portion of bottomridge 119. It is further appreciated that in depicted implementations,bottom engagement portion 109 comprises a single complimentary ridge 119that extends along a substantial portion of bottom engagement 109.however in other implementations, bottom engagement portion 109 cancomprise any suitable number of complimentary ridges and/or any suitablenumber of suitable engagement apparatus for engaging the bottom of paintcan 101. Complimentary ridge 119 can generally be in a range of 0.08 to0.2 inches in height, and can depend on the depth of ridge 120 of paintcan 101. In particular non-limiting implementations, complimentary ridge119 can be approximately 0.125 inches in depth, can range from 0.03125inches to 1.0 inches in depth, though these values are understood to begenerally non-limiting.

Hence, in non-limiting implementations, bottom engagement portion 109can comprise a semicircular piece that engages bottom ridge 120 found onthe bottom of one gallon paint cans, for example via complimentary ridge119 that extends from bottom engagement portion 109. However, anysuitable means of engaging bottom of paint can 101 are within the scopeof present implementations and complimentary ridge 119 is not to beconsidered particularly limiting. Furthermore, bottom engagement portion109 is connected to vertical arms 123 that further connect to topengagement portion 107 as described hereafter.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7 and 10-12, it is appreciated that indepicted implementations, connecting portion 111 comprises at least onearm 123 extending a given distance between top engagement 107 portionand bottom engagement portion 109 thereby enabling paint can 101 tosnugly fit there between. For example, the given distance can comprise alongitudinal length of paint can 101, and hence the given distance candepend on the longitudinal length of paint can 101. For example a heightof a one-gallon paint can is approximately 7.5 inches and hence thegiven distance at least one arm 123 can be approximately 7.95 inchessuch that a one gallon paint can fit between top engagement portion 107and bottom engagement portion 109, though given distance is generallyunderstood to be non-limiting. For smaller paint cans, such as a 1 pintpaint can, which is approximately 3.94 inches in height, at least onearm 123 can be approximately 4.2 inches so that the one pint paint canfit between top engagement portion 107 and bottom engagement portion109. However, at least one arm 123 can be any suitable length for arespective paint can range from approximately 1.9 inches toapproximately 10.1 inches. It is further appreciated that in depictednon-limiting implementations, connecting portion 111 comprises two arms123, extending between top engagement portion 107 and bottom engagementportion 109, each of arms 123 extending between opposite ends of each oftop engagement portion 107 and bottom engagement portion 109.

Hence arms 123 extend between top engagement portion 107 and bottomengagement portion 109 along the longitudinal axis of paint can 101 andcan, in some implementations, be in contact with the wall of paint can101 when harness 105 is attached thereto.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 16, in depicted non-limitingimplementations, each arm 123 comprises at least one attachment point125 for attaching strap 103 between arms 123. In depictedimplementations, arms 123 each comprise four attachment points 125 andstrap 103 can connect to any one of them, one on each side. As depicted,it is appreciated that at least one attachment point 125 comprises a cutout of each arm 123, such that each attachment point 125 defines anopening between a respective arm 123 and paint can 101 when harness 105is attached to paint can 101, each opening defined by a respectiveattachment point 125 at least wide enough for receiving strap 103 therethrough. For example, with reference to FIGS. 1-6, 8-10, 13 and 16,strap 103 generally comprises at least one ridge 127, and wherein atleast one ridge 127 engages an attachment point 125 holding strap 103there in. In specific non-limiting exemplary implementations, strap 103comprises a plurality of ridges 127 (though only one exemplary ridge 127is indicated in FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 12), such that strap 103 is adjustablein each attachment point 125 by selecting a given ridge 127 at each end130 of strap 103 for engaging a respective attachment point 125. Hence,each end 130 acts as a male end, while each opening defined by eachattachment point 125 acts as a female end. While in depictedimplementations strap 103 comprises five ridges 127 at each end 130 ofstrap 103 (wherein each end 130 comprises a tongue insertable into anopening defined by an attachment point 125), each ridge spacedapproximately 0.5 inches apart, the number of ridges 127 and spacingthere between is generally non-limiting and any suitable number ofridges 127 and any suitable spacing there between is within the scope ofpresent implementations. Spacing between ridges 127 can range fromapproximately 0.125 inches to approximately 2 inches. In specificnon-limiting implementations, spacing between ridges 127 can beapproximately 0.48 inches.

As depicted in FIG. 3, which indicates four attachments points 125 onone arm 123, the attachments points on the other arm 123 not beingvisible, in some implementations, each arm 123 can comprise an innerwall 151 and an outer wall 152 connected at an angle that enables apaint can facing edge of each wall 151, 152 to rest against paint can101 when paint can holder 100 is attached thereto. In theseimplementations, attachments points 125 are spaced along inner wall 151such that strap 103 is received into openings defined by the cut-outs(i.e. attachment points 125) on the inner wall 151. Furthermore, outerwall 152 comprises at least one groove 153 for receiving ends 130 ofstrap 103 after they are received at attachment points 125. In depictedimplementations, each outer wall 152 comprises two grooves 153, an uppergroove 153 substantially parallel to and aligned with the two upperattachment points 125 on arm 123 such that the upper groove 153 canreceive an end 130 of strap 103 after it passes through either of theupper attachments points 125. Similarly, each outer wall 152 comprises asecond lower groove 153 substantially parallel to and aligned with thetwo lower attachment points 125 on arm 123 such that the lower groove153 can receive an end 130 of strap 103 after it passes through eitherof the lower attachments points 125. Grooves 153 provide additionalstability for strap 103 and further secure ends 130 as another ridge 127of strap 103 can engage groove 153. Spacing between ridges 127 can besimilar to spacing between an attachment point 125 and an associatedgrove 153.

Furthermore, it is appreciated that, any suitable method of attachingstrap 103 to arms 123 or the like are within the scope of presentimplementations. In addition, in some implementations, strap 103 can beattached to at least one of top engagement portion 107 and bottomengagement portion 109 using any suitable method and/or apparatus.

Hence, it is appreciated that strap 103 is adjustable in harness 105 byadjusting ends 130 of strap 103 into and out of the openings defined byattachment points 125 on each arm 123 to create, for example, a large orsmaller space between strap 103 and paint can 101. It is furtherappreciated that ends 130 of strap 103 can be adjusted up and down ineach openings defined by a respective attachment point 125, and thatopposite ends 130 of strap 103 can be inserted into an upper openingdefined by a respective attachment point 125 on one arm 123 and a loweropening defined by a respective attachment point 125 on the opposite arm123 so that strap 103 extends diagonally between arms 123, at anysuitable angle. As depicted in FIGS. 13 and 18, strap 103 furthercomprises an arm engagement portion 129 for engaging a portion of an armof a painter when extended between strap 103 and paint can 101, the armof the painter including but not limited to fingers, a hand, a forearmor the like. Hence, as strap 103 is adjustable between arms 123 tocreate more or less space 150 between strap 103 and paint can 101, andas strap 103 is adjustable in opening defined by respective attachmentpoints 125 s and between upper and lower openings defined by respectiveattachment points 125, strap 103 can be adjusted for the comfort of agiven painter.

It is appreciated from at least FIG. 1, that strap 103 extends along acircumference of paint can 101, when paint can holder 100 is attached topaint can 101, such that a user (such as a painter) can insert an arm,including a hand, along a longitudinal axis of paint can 101 and supportpaint can 101 by the bottom of paint can 101. In other words, in use, apainter attaches paint can holder 100 to paint can 101, extends his armthrough down strap 103 and can support paint can 101 by cupping thebottom with his hand, arm engagement portion 129 keeping paint can 101leveraged against his arm. Alternatively, user painter can extend hisarm down through strap 103 and leverage paint can 101 against his armusing arm engagement portion 129 without having to cup the bottom ofpaint can 101.

Hence, it is appreciated that strap 103 can be of a length suitable forends 130 of strap 103 to fit through engagement points 125 while stillleaving enough length for strap 103 to loop out from harness 105 tocreate space for inserting an arm there through, including but notlimited to a hand, forearm or the like. In non-limiting implementations,a length of strap 103 can range from approximately 8 inches toapproximately 20 inches with arm engagement portion 129 taking upapproximately 30% to approximately 60% of the length. In particularnon-limiting implementations, strap 103 is approximately 11.5 incheswith arm engagement portion 129 being approximately 5.5 inches, centredin strap 103, with the ends of strap 103 (i.e. tongues) beingapproximately 3 inches long for insertion into the openings defined byattachment points 125. It is further appreciated that strap 103 can beof any suitable width and any suitable thickness, though arm engagementportion 129 can be wider than ends 130 of strap 103 to provide betterleverage and comfort against an arm of a painter, including but notlimited to a hand, forearm or the like. In particular non-limitingimplementations, ends 130 of strap 103 are approximately 0.75 incheswide and are not wider than opening defined by attachment points 125.Furthermore, arm engagement portion 129 can be any suitable shape forproviding comfort and leverage when paint can holder 100 is in use. Asdepicted arm engagement portion 129 is oval shaped, though any suitableshape is within the scope of present implementations.

Hence, it is appreciated that strap 103 comprises any suitable number ofattachment apparatus at each end 130 which can be attached to arms 123on a respective side, via the respective attachment point 125, to securestrap 103 to harness 105 at a specific point or various points toaccommodate different adjustability and multiple positions. Strap 103then secures a hand, wrist, forearm or other part of the arm of apainter to paint can 101 making paint can 101 a virtual extension of thearm or body of a painter. Strap 103 can also act as a hook to attachpaint can 101 to a ladder, a hook or the like.

While in depicted implementations, the strap attaches horizontally tothe body, in other implementations, the strap can attach vertically tothe body, for example extending between top engagement portion 107 andbottom engagement portion 109 using any suitable method and/orattachment apparatus. Hence, in these implementations (not depicted)strap 103 extends along a longitudinal axis of paint can 101, when paintcan holder 100 is attached thereto, such that a user can insert a handbetween strap 103 and paint can 101 radially to cup a wall of paint can101.

Returning to FIG. 1, it is generally appreciated that connecting portion111 provides structural support for harness 105 and paint can holder 100and is generally appreciated to be substantially rigid, though flexibleenough to enabled paint can holder 100 to be attached to paint can 101by first slipping top engagement portion 107 over top rim 118 and innerridge 114, and then snapping bottom engagement portion 109 over bottomridge 120. To remove paint can holder from paint can 101, harness 105,including connecting portion 111, is flexed so that bottom engagementportion 109 disengages bottom ridge 120, and the paint can holder 100 isrotated slightly using top engagement portion 107 as a pivot todisengage top engagement portion 107 from inner ridge 114.

To provide further strength to paint can holder 100, in somenon-limiting implementations as depicted, connecting portion 111comprises at least one strengthening arm 135 that extends between arms123, and is enabled to follow a contour of paint can 101, such that whenpaint can 101 is engaged by harness 105, strengthening arm 135 is incontact with the wall of paint can 101. The at least one strengtheningarm 135 can also provide stability to paint can holder 100 when engagingpaint can 101, distributing tension between arms 123 and preventing arms123 from spreading apart and/or bending due to tension. As such, atleast one strengthening arm 135 can be of any suitable width and/orthickness. In non-limiting exemplary implementations strengthening arm135 can be approximately 0.5 inches wide and approximately 0.125 inchesthick. In some implementations, strengthening arm 135 can comprise awidth in the range of approximately 0.125 to approximately 2 inches.However, it is appreciated that the width and thickness of strengtheningarm 135 can be dependent on a material from which strengthening arm 135and/or harness 105 is manufactured. Furthermore, it is appreciated thatin depicted non-limiting implementations, strengthening arm 135 islocated between attachment points 125.

It is further appreciated that harness 105 can be one integral piece,with top engagement portion 107, bottom engagement portion 109 andconnecting portion 111 all integrally connected. In implementations thatinclude strengthening arm 135, strengthening arm 135 can be integrallyconnected to arms 123. Hence harness 105 can be manufactured as a singlepiece using any suitable method, such as plastic injection molding. Inyet further implementations, strap 103 can be integrated with harness105 and paint can holder 100 manufactured as single unit.

In some optional non-limiting implementations, as depicted in FIGS. 1,2, 3, 8, 9, 11 and 12, top engagement portion 107 can comprise anoptional brush scraper that resides over the opening of paint can 101.Hence, optional brush scraper 140 can be integrated into top engagementportion 107 to offer a scraping device to a painter, brush scraper 140residing over the opening of paint can 101 when paint can holder 100 isattached to paint can 101. For example, when a paint brush is dippedinto paint in paint can 101 there is typically too much paint on thebrush for application to a surface. A painter would otherwise use theedge of paint can 101 to remove excess paint off the brush prior toapplication. Hence, in these non-limiting implementations, brush scraper140 on paint can holder 100 can be used to remove excess paint.

Further implementations of a paint can holder 100 can include just astrap on its own, without any vertical arms, attached to a paint canusing any suitable method. For example, included within the scope ofpresent implementations is any suitable harness that attaches to a paintcan that makes it more comfortable to the painter. Further includedwithin the scope of present implementations are hooks and/or snaps atthe end of a strap, similar to strap 103, which hook onto the lip of theopening of paint can 101 and bottom ridge 120, thereby attaching thestrap thereto, the strap extending along a longitudinal axis of paintcan 101. For example an exemplary paint can holder 1900 is depicted inFIG. 19 attached to a paint can 1901, paint can holder 1900 comprising astrap 1907 extending from a top of paint can 1901 to a bottom of paintcan 1901 and further comprising a top engagement portion 1903 and abottom engagement portion 1905. As further depicted in schematic crosssection in FIG. 20A, top engagement portion 1903 can be similar to topengagement portion 107 and bottom engagement portion 1905 can be similarto bottom engagement portion 109. An alternative paint can holder 1900Ais depicted in FIG. 20B, which is similar to paint can holder 1900 withlike elements having like numbers with an “A” appended thereto. Howeverpaint can holder 1900A further comprises a stabilizing arm 2000extending between top engagement portion 1903A and bottom engagementportion 1905A. In any event paint can holder 1900 and 1900A illustratethat variations on paint can holder 100 are within the scope of presentimplementations.

In use, for particular non-limiting implementations, harness 105 isattached to paint can 101 by first removing the lid of paint can 101,engaging the lip of the opening of paint can 101 using engagementapparatus 113 (e.g. the two hooks) in the top engagement portion 107 andthen snapping the complimentary ridge 119 of bottom engagement portion109 under ridge 120 at the bottom of paint can 101. An arm of a painter,including at least the hand of a painter, as well and possibly the wristand/or forearm (depending on the position of strap 103) is then extendedthrough strap 103 along the longitudinal axis of paint can 101 so paintcan 101 can be leveraged against the arm of the painter and/or thebottom of paint can 101 be held using the painter's fingers and/or hand.Such a position provides comfort and is generally ergonomic as paint can101 is being supported by the arm as it hangs, rather than when strap103 is vertical and paint can 101 is supported by the arm bentperpendicularly from the painter's body. For example, a painter can usethe strap to leverage paint can 101 without having to use their fingersor hand to support the bottom of paint can 101. Rather, paint can 101 isleveraged using friction of paint can holder 100 against the paintersarm including their hand and/or forearm. For example, the weight ofpaint can 101 and strap 103 on the back of the arm of the painter canhold paint can 101 in place. Such leverage provides a comfortable meansof holding paint can 101.

When the painter is done, paint can holder 100 can be removed byslightly bending paint can holder 100 holder to disengage complimentaryridge 119 of bottom engagement portion 109 from bottom ridge 120 ofpaint can 101, and then unhooking top engagement portion 107 from theopening of paint can 101.

FIGS. 14-17 depict paint can holder 100 attached to paint can 101 anddemonstrates paint can holder 100 in use. For example, FIG. 14 depicts aright side view of paint can holder 100 attached to paint can 101, whileFIG. 15 depicts a left side view of paint can holder 100 attached topaint can 101, and FIG. 16 depicts a front side view of paint can holder100 attached to paint can 101. It is appreciated at least from FIG. 16that logos, artwork and the like can be included on strap 103 and/orharness 105. In particular, artwork on strap 103 can be punched outand/or cut there through, for example on arm engagement portion 129, toprovide a convenient method of marking paint can holder 100 or the like.

FIG. 17 depicts a top view of paint can holder 100 attached to paint can101, and hence depicts a space 150 between strap 103 and paint can 101that is created when paint can holder 100 is attached thereto. A paintercan then insert an arm into space 150 to leverage paint can holder 100and paint can 101 against his arm (and optionally support paint can 101from the bottom).

Other paint can holders that include a strap releasably attachable to apaint can are within the scope of present implementations. For example,FIG. 21A depicts a paint can holder 2100 that comprises a strap 2101 andhooks 2102 attached to each end of strap 2101 (though only one end ofstrap 2101 is visible in FIG. 21), hooks 2102 enabled to hook onto atleast one of a hole 2110 for a handle of a paint can 2120 and around aprotrusion 2125 that encompasses hole 2110, protrusion 2125 as found on1 gallon paint cans. In FIG. 21A, hooks 2102 hook onto protrusion 2125,and are held in place by the handle of paint can 2120. Alternatively, asdepicted in FIG. 21B, which is substantially similar to FIG. 21A, withlike elements having like numbers with, however, an “A” appendedthereto, the handle of paint can 2120A has been removed, and hooks 2102Acomprise an additional piece which is insertable into hole 2110A.

Similarly, FIG. 22A depicts a paint can holder 2200 that comprises astrap 2201 and hooks 2202 attached to each end of strap 2201, hooks 2202enabled to hook onto a rim and/or a opening of a paint can 2220. FIG.22B depicts an alternative implementation, with like elements havinglike numbers with an “A” appended thereto, however hooks 2202A areconnected via a cross piece 2205, which can provide further stability.Cross piece can be integral with hooks 2202A, and/or attached to hooks2202A in any suitable manner.

FIG. 23 depicts a paint can holder 2300 comprising a strap 2301 attachedto a harness 2302. Harness 2302 comprises an upper portion 2305 enabledto fit in a top ridge of a paint can (not depicted), for example theridge that the lid of the paint can normally engages. Upper portion 2302can hence be an annulus enabled to fit in the top ridge of the paintcan. Harness 2303 further comprises a bottom portion 2307 which engagesthe bottom ridge of the paint can (e.g. bottom ridge 120, describedabove). Bottom portion 2307 is also an annulus enabled to engage thebottom ridge. A first vertical arm 2309 connects top portion 2305 andbottom portion 2307 and is approximately the same height as the paintcan to which paint can holder 2300 is to be attached. A second verticalarm 2311 connects top portion 2305 and bottom portion 2307, on a sideopposite arm 2309. One of arm 2307 and arm 2309 is hinged one end (e.g.to one of top portion 2305 and bottom portion 2307) and releasably andsecurely attaches to the other of top portion 2305 and bottom portion2307. Hence, harness 2302 comprise a frame within which a paint can beinserted when the hinged arm 2307 or 2309 is detached from thecorresponding portion 2305 or 2307 and swung outward. Once top portion2305 is fit in the top ridge on the paint can and bottom portion 2307engages the bottom ridge on the paint can, the hinged arm 2307 or 2309can be reattached to the corresponding portion 2305 or 2307 and paintcan be supported by strap 2301, for example, by leveraging the paint canagainst an arm or the like when the arm or the like is inserted betweenthe paint can and strap 2301. It is appreciated that strap 2301 can beattached to harness 2302 using any suitable method and/or apparatus.

In yet another non-limiting implementation, FIG. 35 depicts a paint canholder 3500 comprising a skeletal frame 3501 which can accept a paintcan through a top opening 3503 defined by a top frame 3505 complementaryto a bottom and top of a paint can. Frame 3501 further comprises atleast two side arms 3507 and a bottom frame 3509, arms 3507 extendingfrom top frame 3501 to bottom frame 3509, the bottom frame 3509 forsupporting the paint can held therein. Paint can holder 3500 furthercomprises a strap 3511 extending from at least one of arms 3507 and/ortop frame 3501, strap 3511 extending along a circumference of paint can,when paint can holder 3500 is attached to a paint can. In someimplementations, strap 3511 is similar to strap 103, such that a user(such as a painter) can insert an arm, including a hand, along alongitudinal axis of the paint can and support paint can by the bottomof the paint can.

Hence, present implementations enable a paint can, for example aone-gallon paint can, to be used comfortably as a cut can (i.e as aholder for paint when painting with a brush, for example when trimming).Painters like using one gallon paint cans specifically for how large theopening is and how easy this makes dipping a paint brush. Presentimplementations further provide an inexpensive and cost effective methodfor holding a paint can as a painter can recycle the empty paint canafter using all of its contents. This further provides anenvironmentally friendly product that prevents painters from having touse other containers which increases waste.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 24 which depicts non-limitingimplementations of a paint can holder 100 a, similar to paint can holder100, with like elements having like numbers, however with an “a”appended thereto. For example a top engagement portion 107 a is similarto top engagement portion 107. However, paint can holder 100 a furthercomprises a paint brush holder 2400 located at an end of top engagementportion 107 a, proximal to scraper 140 a.

In general, paint brush holder 2400 comprises a flexible collar 2401enabled to releasably grip a handle of a paint brush, flexible collar2401 comprising a gap 2403 for inserting a handle therein, for exampleas depicted in FIGS. 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B and 33C described below. It isfurther appreciated that paint brush holder 2400 is positioned on paintcan holder 100 a such that when flexible collar 2401 is gripping a paintbrush handle, the paint brush is suspended at least one of over anopening of paint can and in opening of paint can, for example, see FIGS.32A and 32B, described below. It is further appreciated that flexiblecollar 2401 can be enabled to extend approximately radially in towards acentre of an opening of a paint can, however the orientation of theflexible collar 2401 is not to be considered particularly limiting.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 25 which depicts a top view of paintbrush holder 2400 at an end of top engagement portion 107 a. From FIG.25 it is appreciated that in non-limiting implementations, flexiblecollar 2401 is “C”-shaped. Indeed, in these non-limitingimplementations, flexible collar 2401 comprises two flexible arms 2501a, 2501 b for gripping a paint brush handle there between, arms 2501 a,2501 b attached to a base portion 2503, which is in turn attached to topengagement portion 107 a. It is appreciated that respective ends 2505 a,2505 b of arms 2501 a, 2501 b form gap 2403. Hereafter, arms 2501 a,2501 b can be referred collectively as arms 2501 and generically as anarm 2501. Similarly, respective ends 2505 a, 2505 b can be referredcollectively as ends 2505 and generically as an end 2505.

It is further appreciated that each end 2505 is rounded to reducefriction when accepting a paint brush handle there between, via gap2403. In depicted non-limiting implementations, each end is circular andbulges out from each respective arm 2501.

It is further appreciated that the flexibility of flexible collar 2401,which is also referred to hereafter as collar 2401, can depend onvarious factors, including but not limited to, the material of collar2401, the width, thickness, the radius of curvature of arms 2501 and aspacing S between arms 2501. In general it is appreciated that thewidth, thickness, the radius of curvature of arms 2501, and spacing Sbetween arms 2501 is such that a handle of a paint brush can be insertedthrough gap 2403 and gripped by arms 2501 without the paint brushsliding down towards the paint (e.g. deeper into a paint can).

For example, attention is directed to FIGS. 32A, 32B. FIG. 32B depictspaint can holder 100 a releasably attached to a paint can 101 a, and ahandle 3260 of a paint brush 3250 releasably gripped by paint brushholder 2400 at a point close to a brush portion 3270 (depicted in FIG.32B). FIG. 32B is similar to FIG. 32A, however FIG. 32B depicts apartial cutaway view of paint can 101 a showing brush portion 3270 inpaint can 101 a, with paint can holder 101 a removed for clarity.Further, FIG. 32B depicts paint brush holder 2400 connected to a gasketportion 2800 in an integrated piece 2900, both of which are describedbelow with reference to FIG. 28 and FIG. 29. Comparing FIG. 32A and FIG.32B, however, it is appreciated that the position of paint brush 3250 islower in FIG. 32B than in FIG. 32A. This can occur either by initiallyplacing handle 3260 of paint brush 3250 into paint brush holder 2400 ata given height, each of FIGS. 32A, 32B showing different initialplacements of brush 3250, or by sliding brush handle 3260 up or down inpaint brush holder 2400 after an initial placement. Hence, in FIG. 32Apaint brush holder 2400 is holding paint brush 3250 in a first positionand in FIG. 32B paint brush holder 2400 is holding paint brush 3250 in asecond position, lower than the first position.

As a further example, attention is directed to FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33Cwhich each depict paint can holder 100 a with paint brush holder 2400holding paint brush 3250 in different respective positions. Arrows 3300a, 3300 b, 3300 c in each of FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C, respectively,represent a direction of movement in of paint brush 3250 as a userchanges the position of paint brush 3250 in paint brush holder 2400. Ateach position, paint brush holder 2400 grips paint brush 3250 such thatthe position does not change until a user again moves paint brush 3250up or down in paint brush holder 2400. While arrows 3300 a, 3300 b, 3300c show paint brush 3250 being moved down, in other instances, paintbrush 3250 can be moved up in paint brush holder 2400.

Hence, the position of a paint brush, in a paint can, can be set bymoving the handle of the paint brush up and down in paint brush holder2400, and specifically in collar 2401. Thus, a paint brush can be storedin a given position in collar 2401 either allowing excess paint to dripfrom the brush into the paint can and/or leaving bristles of a wet brushresting in paint in a paint can to prevent the brush from drying out. Inother words, when flexible collar 2401 is gripping a handle of paintbrush, a vertical position of the paint brush with respect to an openingof a paint can is changeable by moving handle up or down in flexiblecollar 2401. Furthermore, as various levels of paint can be left in apaint can, a paint brush can be moved up or down in flexible collar 2401to adjust for the level of paint: in other words, as the level of paintchanges in a paint can, a paint brush can be repositioned in flexiblecollar 2401 to rest the bristles in the paint at a given level.

In general, collar 2401 can be made from any suitable plastic, includingbut not limited to a plastic similar to the other elements of paint canholder 100 a, and/or santoprene. However any suitable material is withinthe scope of present implementations, including but not limited toplastic, rubber, TPU (Thermal Polyurethane), polyurethane, Sarlink,elastomer, polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) PC (polycarnonate), PBT (polybutyleneterephthalate), silicone, an injection molded material, and a materialcast from a metal die.

In particular non-limiting implementations arms 2501 can each beapproximately 0.25 inches thick and approximately 0.2 inches wide, witha radius of curvature of approximately 0.261 inches. However it isappreciated that arms 2501 can form an oval shape and hence the radiusof curvature can change over the length of each arm 2501. For example,proximal to base 2503, each arm 2501 can be curved with a radiuscurvature of approximately 0.45 inches, narrow to a radius of curvatureof approximately 0.261 inches and the straighten out away from base2503, to then curve around at ends 2505 with a radius of curvature ofapproximately 0.261 inches. However, the oval shape can have anysuitable radius of curvature and/or plurality of radiuses of curvature,and the depicted implementations are not to be considered limiting.Further, it is appreciated that while in depicted implementations, arms2501 form an oval shape, in other implementations, arms 2501 can formany suitable shape, including but limited to a circular shape, a squareshape, a rectangular shape, or any other suitable shape for gripping ahandle of a paint brush. In addition, in some implementations, arms2501, and optionally base 2503 can be shaped to form a logo, for examplein the shape of a drop, see FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C, 37A and 37B describedbelow.

Further, each of the thickness and width of arms 2501 can be within anysuitable range of thicknesses. For example, the thickness and/or widthof each arm 2501 can each range from approximately one eighth of an inchto approximately 1 inch, depending on the desired flexibility and thematerial from which flexible collar 2401 is manufactured. Further thewidth and/or thickness and/or radius of curvature of an arm 2501 can bethe same and/or different from the width and/or thickness and/or radiusof curvature of the other arm 2501.

In some implementations, spacing S between arms 2501 can beapproximately 0.38 inches. However, in other implementations, spacing Scan range from approximately a sixteenth of an inch to approximately 5inches. It is appreciated that in the 5 inch range, flexible collar 2401can be enabled to grip a paint roller However, it is further appreciatedthat spacing S can be adapted for any given range of brush handles, suchthat arms 2501 grip a brush handle therein.

It is hence appreciated that collar 2401 can be adapted for any size ofpaint brush handle and that a range of sizes of brush handles can fitinto a given collar 2401. For example, a collar 2401 with the dimensionsdescribed above can accept paint brush handles ranging fromapproximately 0.25 inches to approximately 3 inches. But is furtherunderstood that these dimensions can be changed to suit any other givensuitable range of paint brush handles

Attention is directed to FIG. 26, which depicts a non-limiting top viewof alternative implementations of a flexible collar 2401′ similar tocollar 2401, with like elements having like numbers, however with aprime ′ appended thereto. For example, base 2503′ is similar to base2503. However, in these implementations, collar 2401′ comprises one arm2501′ that curves back around towards base 2503′, and gap 2403′ isformed by end 2505′ of arm 2503′ and base 2503′. Hence, when a paintbrush handle is inserted through gap 2403′, arm 2501′ extends around thepaint brush handle to grip the paint brush handle, similar to arms 2501.The dimensions and material of collar 2401′ can be of any suitabledimensions and material respectively, and similar to or different fromcollar 2401 described above.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 27 which depicts paint can holder 100a releasably attached to a paint can 101 a via harness 105 a. FIG. 27 issimilar to FIG. 1, with like elements having like number, however withan “a” appended thereto. For example paint can 101 a is similar to paintcan 101. In any event, from FIG. 27 it is appreciated that collar 2401extends approximately radially towards a centre of an opening of paintcan 101 a such that a paint brush gripped by collar 2401 is suspendedover and/or in the opening of paint can 101 a. It is further appreciatedthat optional non-limiting implementations a top of flexible collar 2401can be flush with a top of top engagement portion 107 a, however whetherflexible collar 2401 is flush, or not, with top engagement portion 107 ais not to be considered particularly limiting. Further flexible collar2401 can be adjacent scraper 140 a.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 28 which depicts a bottom perspectiveview of paint can holder 100 a such that a gasket portion 2800 attachedto collar 2401 is visible, gasket portion also referred to hereafter asgasket 2800. It is appreciated that gasket portion 2800 extends fromflexible collar 2401 along top engagement portion 107 a, gasket portion2800 enabled to fit between top engagement portion 107 a and a top rimof a paint can, such as top rim 118 a of paint can 101 a. Hence, gasketportion 2800 can deform to provide a better grip between paint canholder 100 a and paint can 101 a. With reference to FIGS. 29A, 29B and29C gasket portion 2800 and paint brush holder 2400/flexible collar 2401can form an integral piece 2900. FIG. 29A depicts a bottom view of piece2900, similar to FIG. 28. FIG. 29B depicts a top view of piece 2900.FIG. 29C depicts a side view of piece 2900. In non-limitingimplementations, gasket 2900 is approximately 0.05 inches thick but canrange from approximately 0.01 inches to approximately 2 inches. Whilethis thickness and range can be for a gasket made from santoprene, thethickness and range of gasket 2800 can be dependent on the material fromwhich gasket 2800 is manufactured, including but not limited to anysuitable plastic, rubber, TPU (Thermal Polyurethane), polyurethane,Sarlink, elastomer, polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) PC (polycarbonate), PBT (polybutyleneterephthalate), silicone, an injection molded material, and a materialcast from a metal die. Further, in some implementations gasket 2800 caninclude structural ribbing, for example laterally across gasket 2800 toimprove compression against top rim 118 a and/or gripping of top rim 118a by gasket 2800.

In implementations where gasket 2800 is thick, for example fromapproximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2 inches, gasket 2800 canfurther be enabled to for adapting paint can holder 100 a to hold paintcans of different sizes. For example, paint can holders 100 a, asdescribed above, can be generally of dimensions that enable paint canholder 100 a to hold a one gallon paint can. However, paint can holder100 a can be adapted to hold paint cans smaller than a one gallon paintcan by inserting, for example, integral piece 2900 with a gasket that istwo inches thick, Hence, a paint can that is two inches shorter than aone gallon paint can, can then be held by paint can holder 100 a.Indeed, it is appreciated that as integral piece 2900 can be removablefrom paint can holder 100 a, paint can holder 100 a can be supplied witha plurality of integral pieces similar to integral piece 2900, with eachof the plurality of integral pieces having respective gaskets (similarto gasket 2800) of different thicknesses such that paint can holder 100a can be adapted to hold a variety of paint cans of different sizes.

It is yet further appreciated that while gasket 2800 has been describedas ranging from approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2 inches foradapting paint can holder 100 a to hold paint cans of different sizes,this range is not to be considered particularly limiting and any othersuitable thickness of gasket 2800 is within the scope of presentimplementations. For example, gasket 2800 can be less than 0.5 inchesthick and greater than 2 inches thick and still be used to adapt paintcan holder 100 a to hold paint cans of different sizes. Indeed, it isappreciated that as different sizes of paint cans become available(smaller than paint can 101 a) gasket 2800 can be made using a thicknesssuitable for adapting paint can holder 100 a to hold a paint can of agiven size.

It is further appreciated that in some implementations, integral pieces(similar to integral piece 2900) can be provided without paint brushholder 2400 such that paint can holder 100 a can be adapted forattachment to different size paint cans without the paint brush holderfeature. Further, it is appreciated that integral portions (such asintegral portion 2900) with different gasket thicknesses can be providedseparate from paint can holder 100 a (e.g. sold as an accessory forpaint can holder 100 a) such that paint can holder 100 a can be adaptedfor attachment to different size paint cans after an initial purchase ofpaint can holder 100 a. For example a single integral portion having agiven gasket thickness can be sold, or a kit of integral portions withdifferent size gasket thicknesses can be sold. Further, whether in a kitor individually, such integral portions can be provided with or withoutpaint brush holder 2400.

Hence, it is appreciated that integral piece 2900 is removablyattachable to harness 105 a using any suitable mechanism. For example,with reference to FIGS. 28, 29A, and 29B, it is appreciated thatintegral piece 2900 can be attached to harness 105 via at least one of:at least one hook 2901 at an end of gasket 2800 opposite flexible collar2401, and at least one snapping mechanism 2903 on gasket 2800 adjacentflexible collar 2401 for snapping gasket into a corresponding mechanismon harness 105 a underneath top engagement portion 107 a. Furthermore,in some implementations (not depicted) a tongue and groove mechanism canbe provided along gasket 2800, with a mating portion provided along abottom of top engagement portion 107 a, such that gasket 2800 can beattached to the bottom of top engagement portion 107 a by mating thetongue and groove mechanism with the mating portion on the bottom of topengagement portion 107 a. It is further appreciated that any suitablemechanism for attaching and/or securing integral piece 2900 to paint canholder 100 a is within the scope of present implementations.

Further, it is appreciated that in some implementations, integral piece2900 can be removed from paint can holder 100 a and reinserted intopaint can holder 100 a with paint brush holder 2400 now located on aside opposite the original position of paint brush holder 2400. Forexample attention is directed to FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C. FIG. 34Adepicts a paint can holder 100 b, similar to paint can holder 100 a,however with an integral piece 2900 a (depicted in FIG. 34B), similar tointegral piece 2900. With reference to FIG. 34B, integral piece 2900 acomprises a paint brush holder 2400 a and attached gasket portion 2800a. In some implementations integral piece 2900 a can be symmetric abouta longitudinal plane, however such an implementation is not to beconsidered particularly limiting. In any event, paint brush holder 2400a and gasket portion 2800 a are generally respectively similar to paintbrush holder 2400 and attached gasket portion 2800. In any event,integral piece 2900 a is enabled to be removed from paint can holder 100b and rotated 180° about the longitudinal plane, as represented by arrow3400, and then reinserted into paint can holder 100 b, however withpaint brush holder 2400 a being on a side of paint can holder 100 bopposite an original position of paint brush holder 2400 a, as depictedin FIG. 34C. Correspondingly, paint can holder 100 b is enabled toreceive integral piece 2900 a in either position. In implementationswhere integral piece 2900 is symmetric about a longitudinal plane, paintbrush holder 2400 a can be of a similar height with respect to topportion 107 a in either position, otherwise paint brush holder 2400 acan be at different heights with respect to top portion 107 a in eachposition.

In any event, integral piece 2900 a can be positioned in paint canholder 100 b in any manner that is convenient for a painter to securebrush 3250 in paint brush holder 2400 a. For example, paint can holder100 b can then be conveniently adapted for use with right handedpainting or left handed painting: in right handed painting, paint can101 a can be held via paint can holder 100 a in a painter's left handand brush 3250 held in a painter's right hand, while in left handedpainting, paint can 101 a can be held via paint can holder 100 a in apainter's right hand and brush 3250 held in a painter's left hand, withpaint brush holder 2400 a being positioned on paint can holder 100 b inany of the two positions which is most convenient for a given painter tosecure brush 3250 in paint brush holder 2400 a.

While in FIGS. 24-29, paint brush holder 2400 has been described withreference to paint can holder 100 a, and specifically as an elementthereof, any suitable apparatus for releasably attaching flexible collar2401 to a paint can is within the scope of present implementations.

For example, attention is directed to FIG. 30, which depicts a paintbrush holder 2400 b comprising a flexible collar 2401 b similar tocollar 2401 and an attachment portion 3000 for attaching paint brushholder 2400 b to a top rim of paint can 101 a. Paint brush holder 2400 bis also depicted in a side view in FIG. 31 where it is appreciated thatattachment portion 3000 comprises a groove 3001 that fits over top rim118 a, and is curved accordingly, with groove 3001 being of a widthcomplementary to the width of top rim 118 a. Further attachment portion3000 can be any suitable width and depth for providing leverage toprevent paint brush holder 2400 b from twisting off of rim 118 a when apaint brush is held in flexible collar 2401 b. Further attachmentportion 3000 a and groove 3001 can be flexible such that groove 3001deforms to grip top rim 118 a when attached thereto, providing furtherfrictional support for attachment portion 3000. Further, paint brushholder 2400 b can be of any suitable length, for example a length tohold a paint brush proximal a side of paint can 101 a.

It is yet further appreciated that any suitable apparatus can beconnected to flexible collar 2401, 2401 a, 2401 b, for releasablyattaching flexible collar 2401, 2401 a, 2401 b to a paint can such thatwhen flexible collar 2401, 2401 a, 2401 b is gripping a handle of apaint brush, the paint brush is suspended at least one of over anopening of the paint can and in the opening of the paint can. Forexample flexible collar 2401, 2401 a, 2401 b can be attached to a paintcan via any of harnesses 105, harness 105 a, and paint can holders 1900,1900A and 3500.

It is further appreciated that harnesses and strap combinationssubstantially similar to harness and strap combinations described hereincould be provided as a standard feature on paint cans, for examplereplacing the wire-like handle, and added at the manufacturing stage ofpaint cans: for example, presently, wire-like handles does not enablepaint cans to be held in the manner described herein. In suchimplementations, harness and strap combinations could be providedsubstantially integral with paint cans, or as removable piece(s)

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 36A, 36B and 36C, which aresubstantially similar to FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C respectively, with likeelements having like numbers, however with a “c” appended thereto. Forexample, integral piece 2900 c is similar to integral piece 2900.However, paint brush holder 2400 c is in the shape of a logo, with thearms and base of paint brush holder 2400 c forming a drop shape. Hence,from FIGS. 36A, 36B and 36C, it is understood that paint brush holder2400 c can be formed into any suitable shape for releasably gripping ahandle of a paint brush, as can a gap for inserting a handle of a paintbrush therein.

Similarly, FIGS. 37A and 37B depict top and bottom view respectively ofa paint brush holder 2400 d, similar to paint brush holder 2400 b, witha base 3700 and arms 3701 a, 3701 b forming a logo into the shape of adrop, as in paint brush holder 2400 c. Hence, from FIGS. 37A, and 37B itis understood that paint brush holder 2400 d can be formed into anysuitable shape for releasably gripping a handle of a paint brush, as cana gap for inserting a handle of a paint brush therein formed by arms3701 a, 3701 b.

Hence, provided herein are various implementations of a paint brushholder releasably gripping a handle of a paint brush at least one ofover an opening of a paint can and in the opening of the paint can.Hence, a painter can conveniently insert the paint brush into the paintbrush holder and take a break from painting without having to clean thebrush as excess paint drips from the brush into the paint can. Further,as a painter only has two hands, when a painter wants to use his/herpainting hand for something other than painting, they can temporarilystow the brush in the paint brush holder. The paint brush holder canfurther be adapted to suit any suitable size of paint brush includingbut not limited to paint brushes with bristles and paint rollers

Furthermore, as the position of the brush in the paint brush holder isadjustable and hence the paint brush handle can be adjusted to anysuitable height in the paint brush holder, the painter can convenientlyposition the paint brush in any suitable height in the paint brushholder such that the bristles of the brush are resting in the paint inthe paint can, thereby preventing the bristles from drying out.Furthermore, in specific non-limiting implementations, a paint brushholder attached to a paint can holder can be conveniently placed in atleast two positions on the paint brush holder to adapt the paint canholder for left or right handed painting. When a gasket is attachedthereto, the gasket can be provided of any suitable thickness foradapting the paint can holder to hold a given size of paint can.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 38 and 39 which depict a paint canstrap 3800, according to non-limiting implementations. In FIG. 38 paintcan strap 3800 is depicted in an assembled perspective view and in FIG.39, paint can strap 3800 is depicted in an exploded perspective view.Paint can strap 3800 comprises a strap portion 3801 comprising a firstend 3803 a and a second end 3803 b distal first end 3803 a. Paint canstrap 3800 further comprises a first attachment portion 3805 a at firstend 3803 a. Paint Can strap 3800 further comprises a second attachmentportion 3805 b at second end 3805 b. First end 3803 a and second end3803 b will be referred to collectively hereafter as ends 3803 andgenerically as end 3803. Furthermore this convention will be usedthroughout the specification. It is generally appreciated that inpresent implementations, each attachment portion 3805 is removablyattachable to a respective end 3803, as in FIG. 38, and that eachattachment portion 3805 can be removed from each respective end 3803, asin FIG. 39. However, in other implementations it is appreciated thatattachment portions 3805 and strap portion 3801 can be integral.

As depicted in FIG. 40, where paint can strap 3800 is depicted asattached to a paint can 4001, each attachment portion 3805 is enabledfor releasable attachment to a handle 4003 of paint can 4001 such thatat least one of a hand and an arm can be inserted between strap portion3801 and paint can 4001, and along a longitudinal axis of paint can4001, to leverage paint can 4001, similar to paint can holder 100described above. Though only attachment portion 3805 b is visible inFIG. 40, it is appreciated that attachment portion 3805 a is present,though hidden behind paint can 4001.

As is further appreciated from FIG. 40, when paint can strap 3800 isattached to handle 4003 by attachment portions 3805, strap portion 3801extends along a circumference of paint can 4001. As is furtherappreciated from FIGS. 40 and FIG. 41, which depicts paint can strap3800 attached to handle 4003, without paint can 4001 for clarity, eachattachment portion 3805 is attached to handle 4003 on opposite sides ofhandle 4003, proximal to respective pivots 4007 a, 4007 b of handle4003.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 42A, 42B, and 42C, which respectivelydepict a perspective front view, a side view and a perspective rear viewof an attachment portion 3805. Each attachment portion 3805 comprises abody portion 4201 and a hook portion 4203. Hook portion 4203 is enabledfor releasably hooking strap portion 3801 to handle 4003 (e.g. as inFIGS. 40 and 41). It is furthermore appreciated that hook portion 4203extends towards strap portion 3801 from a paint can handle attachmentend 4207 of attachment portion 3805. From FIG. 42B, it is appreciatedthat a gap 4209 is formed between hook portion 4203 and body portion4201, gap 4209 enabled to receive handle 4003. In presentimplementations, handle 4003 comprises a wire handle, and hook portion4203 and gap 4209 are enabled to receive a wire handle. Further, inpresent implementations, gap 4209 can range from approximately 0.05inches to approximately 0.75 inches.

However, in other implementations, hook portion 4203 and gap 4209 areenabled to receive any suitable handle of any suitable paint can. Forexample, while paint cans which are presently on the market are soldwith a wire handle with diameters ranging from approximately 0.1 inch(approximately 3 mm) to approximately 0.2 inch (approximately 5 mm),should paint can handles change to other materials, diameters and/orconfigurations, hook portion 4203 and/or gap 4209 can easily be adapted.For example, portion 4211 (which attaches hook portion 4203 to bodyportion 4201) can be made longer or shorter during manufacture ofattachment portion 3805, thereby respectively increasing and decreasinggap 4209, to accommodate different types of paint can handles.Furthermore, as will be described below, as attachment portion 3805 isreleasably attachable to strap portion 3801, different types ofattachment portions 3805 can be provided with (or separately from) strapportion 3801 such that strap portion 3801 can be adapted for attachmentto different types of paint can handles.

As can also be seen from FIG. 42B, in present implementations, hookportion 4203 can optionally comprise a protrusion 4213 that protrudesfrom hook portion 4203 towards body portion 4201. Protrusion 4213 isgenerally enabled for holding handle 4003 in gap 4209, between hookportion 4203 and body portion 4201. Indeed, it is appreciated that hookportion 4203 can be flexible such that when handle 4003 is inserted intogap 4209, hook portion 4203 flexes away from body portion 4201 as handle4003 displaces protrusion 4213. Hook portion 4203 then snaps back to aresting position as handle 4003 passes protrusion 4213 and is therebyhooked in gap 4209 by hook portion 4203. For clarity, handle 4003 isdepicted in cross-section in FIG. 42B in the hooked position.

FIG. 42C further illustrates a shape of hook portion 4203 in depictedimplementations being generally semi-circular, which can aid in handle4003 and attachment portion 3805 pivoting relative to one another, asdescribed below with respect to FIGS. 47A and 47B. However, the shape ofhook portion 4203 is appreciated to be generally non-limiting.

It is yet further appreciated that, each attachment portion 3805comprises respective handle attachment apparatus, such as hook portion4203, at paint can handle attachment end 4207, each respective handleattachment apparatus for releasably attaching handle 4003 to attachmentportion 3805. While present implementations are described with referenceto handle attachment apparatus comprising hook portion 4203, in otherimplementations, handle attachment apparatus can comprise any suitablehandle attachment apparatus, including but not limited to a clip, aclasp, a fastener, and any other suitable apparatus for releasablyattaching attachment portion 3805 to handle 4003. In someimplementations, handle attachment apparatus can be similar to hooks2102 depicted in FIG. 21, though adapted to be hooked to handle 4003.

Returning to FIG. 42B, it is appreciated that a distance between portion4211 and protrusion 4213 can be greater than a diameter of handle 4003such that attachment portion 3805 can pivot about handle 4003. Forexample, attention is directed to FIGS. 47A and 47B, which each depictattachment portion 3805 with handle 4003 hooked in hook portion 4203. InFIG. 47A, handle 4003 is in a first position and in FIG. 47B, handle4003 is in a second position, with at least with one of handle 4003 andattachment portion 3805 having pivoted about one another. Hence, it isappreciated that the dimensions of hook portion 4203 are such to enablehandle 4003 and attachment portion 3805 to pivot relative to oneanother. For example, in depicted implementations, a distance betweenprotrusion 4213 and portion 4211 is approximately 0.25 inches, gap 4209is approximately 0.06 inches, and protrusion 4213 is approximately 0.25inches wide (from side to side). However, it is appreciated that anysuitable combination of dimensions for enabling handle 4003 andattachment portion 3805 to pivot relative to one another is within thescope of present implementations.

Furthermore, the shape of hook portion 4203 is generally semi-circularin present implementation (e.g. as depicted in FIGS. 42C and 45) whichcan assist in handle 4003 and attachment portion 3805 pivoting relativeto one another; such a shape ensures that there is clearance for handle4003 to pivot (e.g. “rock” like a rocking chair) in hook portion 4203,to accommodate different angles.

To further illustrate the pivot functionality, attention is nextdirected to FIGS. 43A, 43B, and 43C which each depict a paint can strap4300, similar to paint can strap 3800, attached to paint can 4001 inthree (3) different positions as paint can strap 4300 pivots abouthandle 4003, as represented by arrows 4310 a, 4310 b, 4310 c,respectively. Paint can strap 4300 comprises a strap portion 4301,similar to strap portion 3801, removably attached to attachment portions4305, which in turn are removably attached to handle 4003. It isappreciated that only one attachment portion 4305 is visible in FIGS.43A, 43B and 43C, the other hidden by paint can 4001. Attachment portion4305 is similar to attachment portion 3805, however attachment portion4305 comprises an extension for attachment to strap portion 4301, asdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 49.

In any event, FIG. 43A depicts paint can strap 4300 in a use position,such that strap portion 4301 extends along a circumference of paint can4001 and fowls a gap 4320 between paint can strap 4300 and paint can4001 such that at least one of a hand and an arm can be inserted in gap4320, between strap portion 4301 and paint can 4001, and along alongitudinal axis of paint can 4001, to leverage paint can 4001.

FIG. 43C depicts paint can strap 4300 in a resting position where anedge of strap portion 4301 rests against a wall of paint can 4001: forexample, when the hand or arm is removed from gap 4320, paint can strap4300 falls to the resting position in FIG. 43A as handle 4003 andattachment portions 4305 pivot relative to one another. FIG. 43B depictsa position intermediate to the use position of FIG. 43A and the restingposition of FIG. 43C; it is appreciated that in some implementations,the position of FIG. 43B can comprise an alternative use position asdescribed below, for example when it is desired to use paint can strap4300 with just a hand inserted in gap 4320, instead of a forearm. It isfurther appreciated that when a hand or an arm is inserted between paintcan strap 4300 and paint can 4001, paint can strap 4300 will naturallypivot, via attachment portions 4305, to accommodate different size armsand/or hands and that other in-use positions, paint can strap 4300 canbe off-parallel from a wall of paint can 4001, similar to FIG. 43B.

Attention is now directed back to FIG. 42A, and specifically to aplurality of openings 4210, each opening 4210 comprising a slot forreceiving an end 3803 of strap portion 3801 such that attachment portion3805 can be releasably attached to strap portion 3801. As will bepresently explained, however, it is appreciated that each attachmentportion 3805 comprises paint can handle attachment end 4207, and a strapattachment end 4215 distal paint can handle attachment end 4207.Further, strap attachment end 4215 comprises a strap attachmentapparatus such as openings 4210, for attaching strap portion 3801 toeach attachment portion 3805.

For example attention is next directed to FIGS. 44, 45 and 46, whichrespectively front, rear, and side perspective views of attachmentportion 3805 b attached to end 3803 b. It is appreciated from FIGS. 44,45 and 46 that end 3803 b has been woven through adjacent slots/openings4210, at least one of a plurality of ridges 4427 at strap portion 3801engaging at least one of slots/openings 4210. It is appreciated thatridges 4427 are similar to ridges 127 described above.

It is further appreciated that each attachment portion 3805 arereleasably attached to a respective end 3803 of strap portion 3801, andthat strap portion 3801 is adjustable at each attachment portion 3805.For example, each attachment portion 3805 comprises at least one opening4210 for receiving a respective end 3803 of strap portion 3801. Further,strap portion 3801 comprises at least one ridge 4427 for engaging atleast one of openings 4210, holding strap portion 3801 there in. Asstrap portion 3801 in present implementations comprises a plurality ofridges 4427, strap portion 3801 is adjustable in openings 4210 byselecting a given ridge 4427 for engaging at least one of openings 4210,for example by weaving end 3803 through adjacent openings 4210, suchthat at least one of the plurality of ridges 4427 engages at least oneof plurality of openings 4210. It is furthermore appreciated that strapportion 3801 is adjustable in attachment portion 3805 by moving strapportion 3801 in and out of openings 4210 such that different ridges 4427can engage openings 4210.

For example, attention is directed to FIGS. 48A and 48B, which depictpaint can strap 4300 described above, comprising strap portion 4301,similar to strap portion 3801, and attachment portions 4305, similar toattachment portions 3805. FIGS. 48A and 48B are each similar to FIG.43B. FIG. 48A depicts strap portion 4301 in a first position relative toattachment portions 4305, and FIG. 48B depicts strap portion 4301 in asecond position relative to attachment portions 4305. The adjustabilityof strap portion 4301 relative to attachment portions 4305 is indicatedby arrow 4900 of FIG. 48A. In the first position of FIG. 48A, strapportion 4301 is adjusted such that gap 4320 between strap portion 4301and paint can 4300 is at a maximum: in other words, strap 4301 has beenremoved as far as possible from attachment portion 4305 while stillbeing attached to attachment portion 4305. In the second position ofFIG. 48B, strap portion 4301 is adjusted such that gap 4320 betweenstrap portion 4301 and paint can 4300 is at a minimum: in other words,strap 4301 has been inserted as far as possible into attachment portion4305. Hence, strap portion 4301 can be adjusted to fit a wide range ofhand and arm sizes. For example, strap portion 4301 can be adjusted suchthat gap 4320 can range from approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 8inches. However, to accommodate different sizes, a length of strapportion 4301 (or strap portion 3801) can be increased or decreased.

Indeed, in present implementations, it is appreciated that a distancefrom distal ends of each attachment portions 4305 (or attachmentportions 3805) can range from approximately 10 inches to approximately20 inches.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 49 which depicts a front view ofattachment portion 4305. Attachment portion 4305 is similar toattachment portion 3805, and includes a hook portion (not visible),similar to hook portion 4203, and a body portion 4901, similar to bodyportion 3801, however body portion 4901 further comprises a strapattachment portion 4903 extending from body portion 4901 at an enddistal a handle attachment end 4907. Strap attachment portion 4903comprises openings 4910 similar to openings 4210, wherein strap portion4301 (and/or strap portion 3801) can be removably attached as describedabove. By including strap attachment portion 4903 extending from bodyportion 4901, gap 4320 can be given a wider range of adjustability, asthe length of strap attachment portion 4903 is added to the length ofpaint can strap 4300.

In depicted implementations, attachment portion 4305 comprises a cut-out4913 proximate a handle attachment end 4907, which enables paint canstrap 4300 to be hung from a hook, or the like, to store paint can strap4300. It is further appreciated that paint can strap 3800 can be hungfrom a hook, or the like via one of openings 4210, to store paint canstrap 3800.

Strap portions 3801, 4301, and attachment portions 3805, 4305 can bemanufactured from any suitable material, including but not limited to atleast one of a plastic, santoprene, rubber, TPU (Thermal Polyurethane),polyurethane, Sarlink, elastomer, polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) PC (polycarbonate), PBT (polybutyleneterephthalate), silicone, an injection molded material, a material castfrom a metal die, and the like, or any other suitable material. In someimplementations, attachment portions 3805, 4305 can be manufactured froma harder, less flexible material than strap portions 3801, 4301 toprovide more stability for attaching to handle 4300. For example, inspecific non-limiting implementations, attachment portions 3805, 4305can include, but are not limited to glass-filled polypropylene, or anyother suitable material.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 50, which depicts paint can strap 5300similar to paint can strap 4300, attached to a paint can 5001, similarto paint can 4001. Paint can strap 5300 comprises a strap portion 5301,similar to strap portion 4301, and attachment portions 5305 (only one ofwhich is visible in FIG. 50). However, in these implementations, eachattachment portion 5305 comprises a carabineer attached to strap portion4301 via any suitable attachment apparatus 5335, including but notlimited to hooks, straps, integrally moulded apparatuses, or the like.While the position of attachment portions 5305 are appreciated to beadjustable in FIG. 50, in other implementations, the position can befixed. From FIG. 50 it is appreciated that any suitable apparatus can beused to hook a paint can strap to the handle of a paint can, includingbut not limited to hooks, straps, carabineers, a combination thereof, orthe like.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 51 which depicts a paint can strap5500, attached to a handle 5510 of a paint can 5520. In theseimplementations, however, paint can strap comprises a attachment portion5530 for strapping paint can strap 5550 to handle 5510, generally midwaybetween attachment points 5540 at paint can 5520. In yet furtherimplementations, paint can strap 5500 can be attached off-centre toposition paint can 5520 in front of a user's body when painting. Paintcan strap 5500 further comprises a sleeve 5550 through which at leastone of a hand and an arm can be inserted between along a longitudinalaxis of said paint can, to leverage said paint can; in someimplementations, only the four fingers of a user can fit into sleeve5550, with the user's thumb external to sleeve 5550. In yet furtherimplementations, sleeve 5550 could accommodate an entire hand, wrist orforearm.

In any event, tension transmitted by a user's hand from sleeve 5550 tohandle 5510 provides leverage to support paint can 5520 against theuser's arm and/or the user's fingers and/or hand placed under paint can5530 when the user's hand, forearm, arm etc. is inserted through sleeve5550. Sleeve 5550 can, in some implementations, comprise a glove tofurther distribute leverage and/or tension of paint can 5520 on a user'shand; the finger portions of the glove can be open or closed as desired.In any event it is appreciated that at least one of at least a portionof a user's hand (e.g. fingers and/or an entire hand), a wrist and/orforearm can be accommodated by sleeve 5550.

Sleeve 5550 can be rigid or flexible as desired, and comprise anysuitable material, including but not limited to santoprene. However anysuitable material is within the scope of present implementations,including but not limited to plastic, rubber, TPU (ThermalPolyurethane), polyurethane, Sarlink, elastomer, polypropylene,polyethylene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) PC (polycarnonate),PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), silicone, an injection moldedmaterial, and a material cast from a metal die.

Sleeve 5550 can also be of any suitable dimensions: for example, sleeve5550 can range from approximately 0.5 inches to 8 inches wide (i.e. avertical dimension when paint can strap 5500 is strapped to handle5510), with wider straps providing wider distribution of tension overthe hand/forearm/arm of a user. The circumference of sleeve 5550 canrange from approximately 6 inches to approximately 15 inches; however itis appreciated that the circumference of sleeve 5550 can be any suitablelength that enables a hand and/or a forearm and/or an arm to pass therethrough.

It is further more appreciated that attachment portion 5530 can beattached to sleeve 5550 in any suitable manner, including but limited toan integrated structure, a clip, a strap, glued, a combination, and thelike. Furthermore, while attachment portion 5530 is appreciate to bedepicted as a clip in FIG. 51, in other implementations, attachmentportion 5503 can comprise any suitable number of clips, straps, hooks,Velcro™ straps, a combination, and the like. Indeed, it is appreciatedthat attachment portion 5530 is generally non-limiting, as long asattachment portion releasably attaches sleeve 5550 to handle 5530.

It is further appreciated that sleeve 5550 could be used to lift paintcan 5520 via handle 5510 to distribute weight of paint can 5520 on auser's hand, or the like, such that handle 5510 does not cut into thehand (or the like) of the user.

In any event, present implementations enable a paint can, for example aone-gallon paint can, to be used comfortably as a cut can (i.e as aholder for paint when painting with a brush, for example when trimming).Painters like using one gallon paint cans specifically for how large theopening is and how easy this makes dipping a paint brush. Presentimplementations further provide an inexpensive and cost effective methodof holding a paint can as a painter can recycle the empty paint canafter using all of its contents. This further provides anenvironmentally friendly product that prevents painters from having touse other containers which increases waste.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet morealternative implementations and modifications possible for implementingthe implementations, and that the above implementations and examples areonly illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore,is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto.

1. A paint can strap, comprising: a strap portion comprising a first endand a second end distal said first end. a first attachment portion atsaid first end, and a second attachment portion at said second end, eachof said first attachment portion and said second attachment portionenabled for releasable attachment to a handle of a paint can such thatat least one of a hand and an arm can be inserted between said strapportion and said paint can, and along a longitudinal axis of said paintcan, to leverage said paint can.
 2. The paint can strap of claim 1,wherein when said paint can strap is attached to said handle by saidfirst attachment portion and said second attachment portion, said strapportion extends along a circumference of said paint can.
 3. The paintcan strap of claim 1, wherein each of said first attachment portion andsaid second attachment portion comprises one or more of a carabineer, astrap, and a respective hook portion for releasably hooking said strapportion to said handle.
 4. The paint can strap of claim 3, wherein eachsaid respective hook portion extends towards said strap portion from arespective end of each said first attachment portion and said secondattachment portion, and wherein a gap is formed between each saidrespective hook portion and a respective body portion of each said firstattachment portion and said second attachment portion, said gap enabledto receive said handle of said paint can.
 5. The paint can strap of 4,wherein said gap is in a range of approximately 0.05 inches toapproximately 0.75 inches
 6. The paint can strap of claim 4, whereineach said respective hook portion comprises a respective protrusion thatprotrudes towards a respective body of each said first attachmentportion and said second attachment portion, said protrusion for holdingsaid handle between each said respective hook portion and saidrespective body.
 7. The paint can strap of claim 3, wherein eachrespective hook portion is enabled for releasably hooking said strapportion to said handle in at least a resting position and a useposition, such that in said resting position an edge of said strapportion rests against a wall of said paint can, and in said useposition, said strap portion extends along a circumference of said paintcan.
 8. The paint can strap of claim 1, wherein said strap portion isintegral with said first attachment portion and said second attachmentportion.
 9. The paint can strap of claim 1, wherein said each of saidfirst attachment portion and said second attachment portion arereleasably attached to respectively said first end and said second end.10. The paint can strap of claim 9, wherein said strap portion isadjustable at each of said first attachment portion and said secondattachment portion.
 11. The paint can strap of claim 10, wherein each ofsaid first attachment portion and said second attachment portioncomprises at least one opening for receiving a respective end of saidstrap portion.
 12. The paint can strap of claim 11, wherein said strapportion comprises at least one ridge, and wherein said at least oneridge engages said at least one opening, holding said strap portionthere in.
 13. The paint can strap of claim 12, wherein said strapportion comprises a plurality of ridges, and wherein said at least oneridge engages said at least opening, holding said strap portion therein, said strap portion being adjustable by selecting a given ridge forengaging said at least one opening.
 14. The paint can strap of claim 13,wherein said at least one opening comprises a plurality of adjacentslots such that said strap portion can be woven through said adjacentslots, at least one of said plurality of ridges engaging at least one ofsaid plurality of slots.
 15. The paint can strap of claim 1, whereineach of said first attachment portion and said second attachment portioncomprises a paint can handle attachment end and a strap attachment enddistal said paint can handle attachment end.
 16. The paint can strap ofclaim 15, wherein each of said first attachment portion and said secondattachment portion further comprises: respective handle attachmentapparatus at said paint can handle attachment end, each said respectivehandle attachment apparatus for releasably attaching said handle. and astrap attachment apparatus for attaching said strap portion to each ofsaid first attachment portion and said second attachment portion. 17.The paint can strap of claim 1, wherein at least one of said firstattachment portion and said second attachment portion is enabled to hangsaid paint can strap from a hook to store said paint can strap.
 18. Thepaint can strap of claim 1, wherein a distance from distal ends of eachof said first attachment portion and said second attachment portion isin a range of approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches. 19.The paint brush strap of claim 1, wherein at least one of said strapportion, said first attachment portion, and said second attachmentportion comprises at least one of a plastic, santoprene, rubber, TPU(Thermal Polyurethane), polyurethane, Sarlink, elastomer, polypropylene,polyethylene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) PC (polycarbonate),PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), silicone, an injection moldedmaterial, and a material cast from a metal die.
 20. A paint can strap,comprising: an attachment portion for attaching said paint can strap toa handle of a paint can approximately midway along said handle; and asleeve portion attached to said attachment portion, said sleeve portionenabled to receive at least one of at least a portion of a hand and anarm inserted therein, along a longitudinal axis of said paint can, suchthat leverage can be applied to said paint can via said handle.